Crash between pickups, one at highway speed and one stopped for school bus, closes Highway 17

In a crash that closed both lanes of U.S. Highway 17 for 40 minutes, a Ford F150 heading northbound at close to 55 mph rear-ended another vehicle stopped for a school bus dropping off children near Royalwood Lane at 3:52 p.m. on April 21.

According to the crash report issued by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the bus had all lights and stop sign activated.

John Steven Felten, 54, of Rhinelander, was cited for OWI #1, refusal to take test for intoxication after arrest, and operating without a valid license - first offense. 

In the stopped GM Sierra pickup that was struck, driver Justin Lee, 34, of Rhinelander and passengers Jeremy Joslin, 44, of Eagle River and Riley Liebscher, 31, of Rhinelander had no apparent injuries.

A notice of intent to revoke operator’s license was issued, and a court date of May 18 has been set for Felten.

Ardith Carlton may be reached at [email protected].